This concept refers to the convergence of seemingly unrelated associations into a coalition that fundamentally de-legitimizes the Jewish character of the State of Israel.

Definition

The concept Basic De-Legitimization of Israel refers to the convergence of seemingly unrelated movements and associations into a coalition that fundamentally de-legitimizes the Jewish character of the State of Israel. This de-legitimization shifts from one issue to another.

Background

A wide variety of groups have made the fundamental de-legitimization of the State of Israel as their main rallying cry. These groups and associations include some Arab and Third World countries, Islamic movements, left-wing European movements and anti-Semitic groups.

Recent examples of the basic de-legitimization of Israel include the UN sponsored anti-racism conference in Durban, South Africa in 2002, where the conference was diverted to focus on anti-Zionism / anti-Israeli agenda to de-legitimize Israel. Other recent examples are the trial in the International Tribunal in The Hague on the Security Fence and Anti-globalization demonstrations.

The phenomenon of de-legitimization of Israel predicts that these diverse groups will keep coalescing around issues that emanate from the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Hence, every Israeli gesture of confidence-building will have short lived benefits in terms of international legitimacy as the forces that de-legitimize Israel will always converge around the next outstanding issue.

This campaign may then continue and converge around issues such as the status of the Arab citizens of the State of Israel who live in a state that is defined, among other things, by its Jewish character; Israel’s nuclear arsenal; and specific Israeli-Palestinian implementation issues around the Holy Sites, use of water, environmental issues, worker permits etc.